Less than two weeks to the official reopening date for the 2014-2015 academic year, parents are busy looking for schools to enrol their children.

The major cause for worry for parents and education officials during the past few weeks is the authenticity of the numerous schools which exist in the country.

Even though government is making efforts to fight against clandestine schools in the country, there are schools that crop up every year.

In order to ensure that schools respect the law, the Ministry of Basic Education, Youssouf Hadidja Alim has signed five edicts banning 369 clandestine schools from functioning.

According to the order the schools that have been banned will only function after an order for creation and opening. Proprietors of the schools are liable for any inconveniences that may arise from the implementation of this order.

Also, the services of the Ministry of Basic Education, administrative authorities, authorities of private education, in their respective domains have been incited to ensure that the order is respected.

During the 2012-2013 academic year, some 540 schools were closed down in the country. In spite of government’s action, there are still schools functioning which are not in conformity with the law.

Worst still, all the schools that have been banned are schools that do not have authorisations from the Ministry of Basic Education.

The Director of Basic Education, Sally Maïriga said the phenomenon of clandestine schools tarnishes the image of education in Cameroon. He said the law has defined the conditions under which private schools should function. He said the Ministry is committed in the fight against clandestine schools. He however said this year the number of schools that have been closed down has reduced as compared to the previous years.

This, according to him is proof that the number of clandestine schools have reduced and more schools are conforming to the law. He said the Ministry of Basic Education will continue to work in synergy with parents, syndicates and administrative authorities to fight against clandestine schools in the country.

In the Littoral Region, for instance, a vast campaign against clandestine schools was organised last week led by the Governor of the Littoral Region, Joseph Betti Asomo.